Start 2026 as you mean to go on – with a holiday in January. Skiers will have registered the early snow that’s all over the Alps this month, and be hoping that conditions last into the low-season. If it’s tropical heat you’re after, head to the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean sea and sink into the soft sands of Mauritius or Grenada. Central America’s less-visited countries are getting on more people’s radar, so now’s the time to visit.
Stay closer to home on Cornwall’s dramatic Atlantic coast or explore the greenery of the New Forest. If you’re planning a big-ticket adventure, spend nearly three weeks on a leisurely tour of New Zealand’s South Island, or let an expert guide you through Oman’s treasures. Wherever you decide to go on holiday in January, you’ll find some inspiration here.
Read more: How to visit each seven wonders of the world
France
Kick off the year on the pistes of Saint-Gervais, a handsome belle époque spa town that shares the large ski area of Evasion Mont-Blanc with neighbouring Megève. Stay in a brand new residence that’s opening this season, Les Sources de Canopée, handily located three minutes’ walk from the Alpin ski lift. Relax in its wellness area with its indoor pool, sauna and hot tub after a day hurtling down the slopes. Peak Retreats has a week’s self-catering in a studio from 3 January, starting at £944, including Le Shuttle crossing with a free FlexiPlus upgrade.
Read more: How to have a ‘grown-up’ ski season in your 40s
Mauritius
Step out of Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa, and you’ll be on the powdery white sands of the sheltered Blue Bay Marine Park on the south-east coast of Mauritius. It’s just one of three beaches surrounding the resort’s 70 acres of gardens, which also include outdoor pools and six restaurants. Beachcomber Tours has a seven-night holiday departing 15 January starting at £1,870pp, including flights, transfers, half-board accommodation and a choice of free land and water sports.
Read more: This beach hotel in Mauritius blends old-school luxury with nature
Cornwall
Embrace winter on Cornwall’s coast near Newquay, where the Watergate Bay Hotel is offering a “skate and stay” package until 11 January. Have a whirl on the hotel’s ice-skating rink against a serene backdrop of the Watergate Bay for each day of your stay. The hotel also has a Swim Club with indoor pool, sauna, hot tub and treatment rooms, as well as a children’s zone. Prices for rooms in early January start at £195 a night, including breakfast.
Read more: The sleeper train holiday to Cornwall that doesn’t cost the Earth
Grenada
Sugar-white sands and the blinding blue of the Caribbean Sea are what you need to lift a gloomy January, and Grenada comes up with the goods. Kalinago Beach Resort is in a dreamy spot on Morne Rouge Beach, so you’ll be treated to fabulous sea views from your room and the pool terrace. Mercury Holidays has a seven-night break from 13 January starting at £1,433pp, including flights and breakfast, or you can go all-inclusive for an extra £529pp.
Belize and Guatemala
If Celebrity Race Across the World had you hankering after Central America, get to know two of its lesser-known countries in this 13-night Classic Guatemala and Belize holiday run by Rainbow Tours. Itineraries are tailor-made, but they’re likely to include Guatemala’s beautiful city of Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Mayan ruins and tropical rainforests before going on to Belize’s jungles, waterfalls, ancient ruins, beaches and reefs. Prices start at £3,795pp and include all flights, transfers, excursions and some meals.
Read more: The five-day trek in the Guatemalan jungle that’s worth every blister
New Forest
Get to know the landscapes, villages and small towns of the New Forest using New Park Farm Cottage as your base. This cute cottage is set on 250 acres of farmland between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst, and sleeps five in three bedrooms (two doubles and one single). After long walks in the woods, warm up by the wood-burning stove. Helpful Holidays has a week’s rental from 9 January for £666, down from £709, and one well-behaved dog is welcome.
Read more: Why Chewton Glen is the ultimate babymoon retreat for a pre-baby oasis
And if you want to splash out…
New Zealand
This 20-night Discover New Zealand’s South Island self-drive holiday run by Inspiring Travel is the stuff of dreams. Prepare to be knocked out by spectacular scenery as you explore the South Island’s highlights – Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu, Mount Cook, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, Tasman Glacier Lake, among many – all the while staying in boutique hotels, tranquil lodge retreats and lake cruise ships. Prices start at £8,820pp and include flights, transport, car hire and accommodation.
Oman
Get under the skin of Oman with a guided tour led by an expert who can bring deep insights into the country’s history and culture. Martin Randall Travel is running an 11-day tour led by Islamic art and architecture expert Dr Richard McClary of the University of York from 23 January, taking in Muscat, the inland forts of Nizwa and Jabrin, little-known architectural sites, the wilderness of the Wahiba Sands, the beaches of Salalah and more. Prices start at £6,110pp and include flights, all transport, accommodation, most meals, all excursions and tips.
Read more: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Oman’s enchanting capital
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
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